TMFWillSommers

Brendan Mathews

Brendan Mathews (TMFWillSommers), a northern Virginia native, began following the Fool as a teenager as part of his lifelong love of investing. He graduated from the University of Virginia as an Echols Scholar, after which he promptly began a nine-year career in the corporate strategy practice of a big consulting firm. Along the way, he picked up an MBA from UC Berkeley and worked briefly at two California hedge funds. But he never forgot about his passion for finding great investments, and he's thrilled to be back in his hometown, working for the Fool. He enjoys scouring financial statements, pontificating on competitive advantage, and any outdoor activity.
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An Interview with TMFWillSommers

Last updated: 4/12/2013

The Fool:

Is there a public figure that inspires you?

TMFWillSommers:

William 'Will' Sommers was the best-known court jester of Henry VIII of England. The jester was also a man of integrity and discretion; he sometimes drew the King's attention to extravagance and waste within the royal household by means of a joke. Sommers possessed a shrewd wit, but he did occasionally overstep the mark. In 1535, the King threatened to kill Sommers with his own hand.

The Fool:

List some of your favorite websites, with commentary where appropriate. (Please provide the URLs, too.)

TMFWillSommers:

https://twitter.com/TMFWillSommers

My Story

I believe that opportunity looks a lot like hard work. When I was 13 I had my first job with my Dad carrying shingles up to the roof, and then I got a job washing dishes at a restaurant, and then I got a job in a grocery store deli, and then I got a job in a factory sweeping Cheerio dust off the ground. And I’ve never had a job in my life that I was better than. I was always just lucky to have a job, and every job I had was a stepping stone to my next job and I never quit my job until I had my next job. And so opportunities look a lot like work.